The Ogun State Government has screened 500 residents of Ogijo in Sagamu Local Government Area to determine blood lead levels following the completion of blood sample collection.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr Tomi Coker, disclosed this during a stakeholders’ engagement at the Ologijo Palace last Saturday.
She explained that the government has commenced an independent and comprehensive health audit of residents of Ogijo in the Sagamu Local Government Area following concerns over possible lead exposure in the community.
It will be recalled that the State Government immediately sealed identified used lead-acid battery recycling plants in the area after reports of alleged lead poisoning surfaced in November last year. It also initiated environmental audits and commenced regulatory reviews to safeguard public health and restore public confidence.
According to her, the global attention that followed reports by some international media organisations placed Ogijo in the international spotlight and necessitated a deliberate and structured government response.
She explained that shortly after the reports emerged, both the Ministries of Health and Environment visited the communities to allay fears and outline a clear monitoring, evaluation and response framework, while the Ministry of Environment proceeded with environmental audits and assessments following the closure of companies identified as posing potential risks.
“The health sector deliberately adopted a scientific approach to its audit process. His Excellency directed that the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) be engaged to independently conduct the study in order to ensure authenticity, transparency and global credibility of the findings. We have ensured that NIMR is working independently to deliver unbiased results, and once the report is received, appropriate recommendations will be submitted to the Governor for necessary action,” the Commissioner said.
“NIMR commenced fieldwork in the community last week and has collected over 500 blood samples using a stratified scientific methodology, covering individuals previously identified with elevated blood lead levels, pregnant women, lactating mothers, children and other residents within the mapped areas of the community,” she added.
While acknowledging that some facilities earlier sealed have since been reopened by the Ministry of Environment following compliance reviews, the Commissioner stated that the Ministry of Health would institute a monitoring protocol requiring periodic blood lead level testing for workers in the affected industries to ensure they are not exposed to health risks.
She further assured the traditional leadership and residents that the governor remains mindful of their welfare, noting that the state government would continue to engage the community and collaboratively develop sustainable solutions based on the outcome of the scientific audit.
In his remarks, the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the NIMR, Prof. Oladipo Obafunwa, stated that the Institute deployed a professional team to conduct the exercise in line with established scientific standards. He explained that the sampling process was carefully designed to ensure representation across vulnerable groups and assured that laboratory analysis would be handled with the highest level of integrity, with findings presented objectively.
Responding on behalf of residents, the Ologijo of Ogijo, Oba Kazeem Olaonipekun Gbadamosi, appreciated the State Government for its timely intervention and transparent engagement. He assured the delegation of the community’s cooperation and expressed confidence that the outcome of the audit would provide clarity and reassurance to the people.